Next Move

Mel checked her Uni email. The one from Jared Stone had come in with the subject heading: assignment.

She wondered what kind of game he’d picked to analyze, hesitated a moment then opened it.

The game was… Chess.

She sat back surprised. She’d expected something different and more dramatic – like his looks. She looked down at the rest of the email.

Can you meet me at 5pm tomorrow at the East End to discuss ?

Not the Uni café.
That sounded promising, then bit her lip and snorted pushing back her unruly red hair and wished she didn’t have so many freckles. Then sighed.
This was just work.

The assignment was odd though. It hadn’t been listed in their books but their lecturer Gabe Winter had said he liked to mix things up a bit and he’d nominated the pairs to work together. So why Jared and her?

Maybe she should just be grateful. He was a brilliant illustrator who’d come to their class this year from interstate and was rumoured to be hunted by Games Inc.
She should be so lucky. First she had to complete this assignment. She replied to the email – Yes. I’ll be there – then flipped her laptop closed. She’d have to go to the library and get some books.

She was running late the next day and walked briskly down Rundle street. Jared was still waiting and she stopped, breathless & apologized.
‘ No worries, we’ve got time,’ and turned into the alley off the East End.
‘Are we seeing a film?’ she asked.
‘No, but it is a shame the IMAX theatre shut down. Did you see anything when it was open?’
‘Yeah. The one on Antarctica. It was fantastic.’
‘I did too. That blue ice was spectacular,’ & turned to look at her adding, ‘a bit like your eyes,’ then looked away. She tripped. He steadied her then left go.
Had she heard right?
Before she could respond he was entering the doors to – the theatre. She followed him in curiously to find the foyer full of people. She looked around and saw a sign. Adelaide Chess Club.

He was here to show her the game. Well of course he was and felt her stomach drop.
‘I’m a member,’ he said casually, ‘ and I’m only up for two games, then we can get a coffee & something to eat OK?’
She nodded weakly and he glanced at her searchingly before taking her through into the main room. There were tables set up on stage. Jared walked her over to some seats close to one of them and she sat down. ‘Won’t belong,’ Jared said and joined a middle aged guy waiting at the nearest table.

They flipped a coin. Jared got the black. The other guy started first, then Jared picked up a pawn. She watched mesmerized as he wove music with his long, beautiful hands then the game was over. Jared won and looked up at her briefly, eyes like silvered water before staring another game. She shivered and leant forward, this time watching his face.

His black hair covered much of it but she after a while discerned slight nuances in his expression – a small tightening of his mouth – a slight raising of one eyebrow; the one with the piercing. It lasted well over half an hour before he won again. He smiled, shook hands with the other guy’s hand and rose to join her.

‘Sorry. That took longer than I thought. Greg’s getting better.’
‘How long have you been playing?’ she said as they walked back toward the door.
‘Since primary school,’ and looked down at her carefully. ‘What about you?’
‘Once – ages ago.’ then added quickly.‘ My dad tried to teach me when I was a kid but …’
‘Not you’re thing?’
‘No patience,’ and smiled ruefully. ‘But I’ve learnt to have.’
He nodded. ‘The drawing got me in too.’
She looked surprised then blurted out. ‘Want to eat at my place?’
‘Sure,’ he said immediately. ‘Your apartments near the campus isn’t it?’
Her mouth fell open. ‘I… yes,’ and closed her mouth with a snap wondering how he knew. Had he asked someone ?
‘You like noodles?’ he said.
‘yes.’ And tried to gather her wits.
‘I’ll buy,’ and stopped to get some.

When they entered her apartment, the first thing he noticed was the chess set. He went straight to it. ‘ These are seriously beautiful,’ he said and picked up the knight. It was her favourite. ‘My dad left it to me,’ she said huskily.
He froze. ‘When did …?’
‘When I was thirteen.’
‘Rough.’
‘And then some,’ and turned away surprised at how much it still hurt.
He joined her at the table and was silent while they ate, then said. ‘So what part do you want to research? ‘
‘The history,’ she said, adding quickly, ‘of how many different kinds were made.’
‘Ah … not of the game. O.K. I know of a few famous tournaments, but what about the design concept. Do you have any ideas?’
‘Maybe.’
‘ What?’
She hesitated, then said wondering if she were crazy. ‘I started something a few years ago that might be suitable.’
‘And?’
‘I’ll show you… another time.’
There was a short silence. ‘Sure,’ he said and rose. ‘I’d better go – see you in class.’
She nodded and watched him leave then kicked the sofa. It hurt.
‘Shit,’ and hopped about then stopped to drag a hand through her hair.
She was an idiot. What did it matter what he thought? Yeah, right.
But did she meet him in class next day. They organized to meet every other day & over the next two weeks ended up in her apartment several times.

She finally asked Jared to teach her the game after she’d got the courage to show him her drawings. He’d been blown away -his words and that had made a difference. He was patient. More than her and after a game or three she did get better. And she’d practiced against the computer and was now thoroughly hooked on the strategy involved. It was pity she was also hooked on something else too.

Jared had made no move on her or asked her out at the weekends and she was losing hope. Not that she really had any, despite that comment he’d thrown at her when they’d first gone to his club. He’d not explained why he’d done that either.
She assumed he’d wanted to make a point. But what? He was too contained and quietly confident to need to show off.

On the third Friday since they’d started the assignment she’d resigned herself to going out with her friend Donna and boyfriend Mat, when Jared rang and invited her out. ‘It’s a low key kinda party, if you’re interested.’
‘Sure,’ she said trying to sound nonchalant, but heart sped up.
‘Great. I’ll pic you up at six.’ He paused. ‘ It’s also for tea.’
‘O…K ,’
‘Right, see you then,’ and hung up.

She stared at her mobile a moment, a smile rising then frowned. He’d said. ‘Low key. And wondered just who’s party was it ?
She’d known most of the guys in their class for ages & they all partied hard. So. Who’d that leave? She had no idea and by Saturday night when Jared came for her the suspense was killing her. Then she forgot everything when he held her hand as they walked to his car.

He started the engine and said casually. ‘We’re going to my Aunt’s house in Norwood,’ then turned to look at her briefly. ‘Its her birthday.’
‘Shit.’
He laughed. ‘Its OK. I’ve got something from both of us. If you don’t mind that is,’ & quirked an eyebrow.
‘No. That’s all right,’ finally finding her tongue. ‘ But it would’ve been nice to know.’ Then said anxiously ‘Am I dressed OK?’

‘Fine,’ he said, eyes running slowly over her emerald green top and black pants.
A car horn honked loudly. ‘ Hey,’ she said and laughed breathlessly, ‘watch where you’re going.’ He’d turned to the front and laughed softly.
It did her in again and she sat there dazed.

They eventually stopped in front of an old federation house that had been done up.
‘Wow,’ she said getting out. ‘What a classic,’ and admired the stained glass windows.
‘Glad you like it,’ he said and took her hand again. It was warm and a tingle went up her spine. ‘I also live here.’
She tightened her hand involuntarily and he looked at her quickly. She smiled weakly. He squeezed back and led her to the front door. He produced a key and they went inside, along a short hall to a dinging room where a woman stood setting a table – for four. She looked up and smiled.

‘Aunt Rae. This is Mel.’
‘Hi dear.’
‘Hi,’ Mel had just said when a man entered carrying a wine bottle. It was Gabe Winter, their lecturer.
‘Hello nephew… Mel.’

Mel’s mouth fell open then she shut it with a snap, feeling suddenly hurt, but before it kicked in too badly, Gabe said. ‘Good to know our strategy worked,’ and pointed at their clasped hands. She swallowed and looked form Gabe back to Jared and had a sudden thought; said incredulously. ‘Did you set us up?’
‘What are relatives for?’ Gabe said smiling.

She turned back to Jared and he moved closer, whispered in her ear. ‘I asked him to,’ then lent back, face serious, eyes …wary, uncertain.

It was a revelation and a heady one.
She smiled. ‘The next move is mine then,’ and kissed him.

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